New Defender's Study Bible Notes

19:4 Have ye not read. In response to a vital question about the most important of all human institutions (marriage and family), as His authority the Lord quotes the account of creation in Genesis. It is obvious that He—contrary to the opinion of modern intellectuals and liberal theologians—regarded the creation record as historically true and divinely inspired.

19:5 cleave to his wife. Modern critics often allege that the first two chapters of Genesis are two different and contradictory accounts of creation. Jesus, however, quoted from Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24 as perfectly complementary and of absolute authority. Furthermore, He was there at the beginning!

19:6 let not man put asunder. The creation account is thus the foundation for the institution of marriage, which was validated by the Creator Himself and established to be a lifelong union between one man and woman, who were commanded to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28).

19:9 except it be for fornication. The relatively easy divorce allowed in the Mosaic law was not intended in God’s original economy (Matthew 19:8). The only allowable grounds for divorce according to Christ is adultery. The Greek word for “fornication” (porneia) could include any sexual sin committed after the betrothal contract. On the other hand, Jesus did not even allow this exception in Luke 16:18. The conclusion would be that, even though adultery or fornication are permissible grounds for divorce and remarriage, it is still better to salvage the marriage if possible. See also Romans 7:2-3; I Corinthians 7:10-15.

19:14little children. “Little children” is one word in the Greek, referring to very small children, even infants. If the kingdom of heaven is “of such,” then evidently there are many children in the kingdom who are safe in Christ. Such children are too young to be conscious sinners, perhaps reaching heaven through death before the “age of accountability.”

19:22great possessions. No matter how outwardly righteous a person may be, he can only be saved if he comes to Christ with nothing of his own. The Lord may not ask a follower to give up his possessions or anything else, but maybe He will. That person must at least be willing to do so. We cannot bargain with God. Until He saves us, we are dead in sins, and only Christ can give us life.

19:26 impossible. Jesus had said that a camel could more easily go through the eye of a needle than a rich man enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24). Both are impossible! “Blessed be ye poor,” Jesus said: “for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). One must at least be willing to give up his possessions before he can enter the kingdom.